Hamlet is betrayed Laertes whose determination to avenge his family clouds his better judgement and leads to the latter’s eventual destruction. Laertes returns to Denmark from France to the news of his father’s murder and learns about the death of Ophelia soon after. “Why…. I am justly killed with mine own treachery,” (Act 5, Scene 2, Lines 336-367). Laertes is rash in his thirst for vengeance and finds an ally in Claudius. Laertes gets a taste of his own medicine when his quest for retribution and betrayal eventually leads to his destruction.
The theme of vengeance and betrayal leading to destruction is touched upon by William Shakespeare in the tragedy, Hamlet. From Claudius killing Hamlet’s father to Hamlet’s life ending after the battle against Laertes, the reader comes to the understanding that the various betrayals are a representation of the unanswered trials and tribulations of humanity. Showcasing the need to advance oneself regardless of the consequences is the ultimate reason behind